I feel like the Galil plugin will be done about a month after Mach4 is released. Now, when is that? I don't know at the moment because all of these requests are going to take time to implement. And we'll need documentation too. The problem is that I can't work on both Mach and Galil plugin at the same time. I've tried it! But it turns out that I actually need two hands on one keyboard.
So Mach first, Galil second.
The movement with the Galil is solid. I even have it probing and homing. But it needs MPG support and lots of work on the configuration dialog. Meaning as of right now, I'm putting a lot of text parameters in a file by hand. It needs polishing. I'd call it 98% done. If I had a solid week to work on it AND Mach didn't change in the interim, I could stick a fork in it. But I run Ethernet controllers. I don't have the means to test any PCI controllers, so that may take more time. And ISA and USB Galil support has been dropped, so don't expect those to ever work with Mach 4.
The Galil is actually the oldest Mach 4 motion plugin. (Hmm... I wonder how that happened?)
It is also, by that virtue, the one that has had to be changed the most to hit a constantly moving target.
So, again, it really depends on how long it takes to get Mach released. And I really can't nail that down at all right now.
Sorry.
My machine is a Matsuura MC500 with a 16 pod tool changer. The tool changer is run completely from the Galil. When the Galil plugin is released, it will be industrial strength at least on the Ethernet controllers that run analog servo driven 3 axis mills. I can't speak to gantry systems, as I don't have one.
I have Mach 3 running my machine to perfection. So don't discount that option either. It is a MUCH better controller than the original YASNAC ever thought about being. We have customers that are shipping new production machines to industrial environments with the Mach 3/Galil combo. It rocks.
Steve